A group of pupils at Esselen Park Senior Secondary School in Worcester are being investigated for holding three other boys against their will and forcing one of them to perform a sexual act.
Despite the lack of details, SurgeZirc SA has learned from the police that one of the pupils was arrested and charged with rape.
A source who spoke to SurgeZirc SA said the incident occurred during school hours when the victim was forced to perform oral sex.
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“This group is believed to be known for terrorising others.
“The victim is very traumatised, and so are the two other boys who were held down and made to watch while a penis was being stuffed into his mouth,” the source said.
Millicent Merton, a spokesperson for the Western Cape Education Department, explained on the allegations: “Three learners – two Grade 8 learners and one Grade 10 learner – were held against their will by a group of other learners who allegedly made themselves guilty of assault and a case of sexual misconduct.”
The alleged event occurred on April 19 at the school.
According to Merton, the pupils were able to flee and the incident was reported to the appropriate authorities.
She said: “The school is cooperating with the relevant authorities.
“The alleged perpetrators were identified, and their parents were contacted. The school is taking disciplinary action in line with [its] code of conduct.”
The department provided trauma counselling to the pupils who were affected and reported the incident to the police.
Captain Frederick van Wyk, a Western Cape police spokeswoman, said a 17-year-old pupil will appear in court next week.
“Kindly be advised that a 17-year-old pupil was assessed and will be appearing in the Worcester Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 2 May, on a charge of rape,” he said.
